Thin film magnetic memory device

ABSTRACT

A thin film magnetic memory device includes: TMR elements provided at a predetermined distance away from each other on a main surface of a silicon substrate so as to operate as memory elements; a first digit line for applying a magnetic field to TMR element, extending in one direction so as to intersect TMR element; a second digit line for applying a magnetic field to TMR element, extending parallel to the first digit line so as to intersect TMR element; and a magnetic film provided so as to fill in the space between the first digit line and the second digit line and so as to bring into contact with the first and second digit lines. The present invention provides a thin film magnetic memory device wherein crosstalk can be prevented from generating between adjacent memory cells and wherein wire resistance does not increase.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention generally relates to a thin film magnetic memory device and, more particularly, to a thin film magnetic memory device wherein magnetic memory cells forming separate memory cells are provided in proximity to each other.

[0003] 2. Description of the Background Art

[0004] In recent years, research has been performed concerning MRAMs (Magnetic Random Access Memories) as next-generation semiconductor memory devices. As for the memory cell configuration of an MRAM, a so-called one transistor-one MTJ (Magnetic Tunnel Junction)-type MRAM configuration formed of a TMR (Tunneling MagnetoResistive) element, which includes a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ), and of one transistor can be cited as an example. In a memory cell of such an MRAM, a digit line extends beneath the TMR element via an insulator film. In addition, a bit line extends in a manner that intersects the digit line so as to bring into contact with the top surface of the TMR element. Thus, a magnetic field generated by currents that are made to flow through the digit line and through the bit line is used so as to change the direction of magnetization in a ferromagnetic layer, which is a free layer forming a magnetic tunnel junction in the TMR element and, thereby, rewrite of data in the memory cell is carried out.

[0005] Respective TMR elements forming memory cells independent of each other, however, are provided in proximity to each other in order to achieve miniaturization of the MRAM. Therefore, a problem arises wherein an unexpected magnetic field is generated in a second TMR element adjacent to a first TMR element, which forms one memory cell, in the case where currents are made to flow through a digit line and through a bit line in order to generate a predetermined magnetic field in the first TMR element.

[0006] In addition, a magnetic memory device having the purpose of reducing the power consumption at the time of write-in is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2002-110938. The magnetic memory device disclosed in above literature is an MRAM and is formed of a magnetic memory element and a transistor. The magnetic memory element is provided with wires intersecting each other at right angles and a ferromagnetic double tunnel junction located at the location wherein these wires intersect each other. Each of the wires intersecting each other at right angles is provided with a magnetic film covering the side opposite to the side facing the ferromagnetic double tunnel junction, as well as the remaining sides, and the side of the wire that faces the ferromagnetic double tunnel junction is exposed from the magnetic film.

[0007] According to the magnetic memory device of such a configuration, in the case where a magnetic field for write-in is applied to one of two adjacent memory cells, the effects given to the other memory cell by this magnetic field can be reduced. Thereby, crosstalk generating between the two adjacent memory cells can be effectively prevented.

[0008] In the magnetic memory device disclosed in above literature, wires are covered with magnetic material and the magnetic material is utilized as a shield for suppressing the generation of crosstalk. In order to cover the wires with the magnetic film, first, a trench is formed in an interlayer insulating film and this trench is filled in with a magnetic material. Then, another trench for a wire is formed in the magnetic material and is filled in with a conductor film for a wire. In addition, according to another manufacturing method, a trench for a wire is formed in the interlayer insulating film and, at the same time, this trench for a wire is filled in with a magnetic material and a conductor film.

[0009] The pitch according to which the trenches are formed in the interlayer insulating film, however, cannot be reduced to a constant level, or less, due to limitations in the photolithographic process for the formation of trenches. On the other hand, it is necessary at present to reduce the pitch according to which the trenches are formed to be as small as possible because miniaturization of semiconductor devices is required. Because of these reasons, the pitch according to which the trenches are formed has been determined to be a predetermined value.

[0010] Under such conditions, the width of the wires is reduced by the thickness of the magnetic material in the case where the wires are covered with magnetic material and, then, the thickness of the magnetic material must be taken into consideration. In addition, the height of the wires is reduced by the thickness of the magnetic material in the same manner in the case where the height wherein trenches for a wire are formed is determined by a structure beneath the wires. In the case where the width of the wires and the height of the wires are reduced in the above described manner, the area of the cross section of the wires is reduced so as to increase the resistance of the wires. This increase in the resistance of the wires hinders currents that are made to flow through the digit line and through the bit line so as to generate magnetic fields and a problem arises wherein a sufficient magnetic field cannot be generated in the TMR element.

[0011] In addition, it becomes necessary to carry out a photolithographic exposure process twice in the case where a manufacturing method is adopted so that trenches are formed twice in the interlayer insulating film in order to cover the wires with a magnetic film. Therefore, a mask shift generates and a problem arises wherein the thickness of the shield made of the magnetic material differs depending on the locations of the wires. In addition, in the case where a manufacturing method is adopted so that a magnetic material and a conductor film are filled in at the same time, a problem arises wherein the thickness of the wires becomes uneven due to dispersion in the thickness of the magnetic material that is used for the initial fill in and the wires cannot be formed at predetermined locations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to solve the above described problem and to provide a thin film magnetic memory device wherein crosstalk generating between adjacent memory cells is suppressed and wherein the wire resistance is not increased.

[0013] A thin film magnetic memory device according to the present invention includes: first and second magnetic memory cells provided on a main surface of a semiconductor substrate at a predetermined distance away from each other so as to operate as memory cells; a first wire for applying a magnetic field to the first magnetic memory cell extending in one direction so as to intersect the first magnetic memory cell; a second wire for applying a magnetic field to the second magnetic memory cell extending in parallel to the first wire so as to intersect the second magnetic memory cell; and a magnetic film provided so as to fill in the space between the first wire and the second wire and so as to bring into contact with the first and second wires.

[0014] The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015]FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view showing a thin film magnetic memory device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0016]FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the thin film magnetic memory device of FIG. 1;

[0017] FIGS. 3 to 28 are cross sectional views showing the steps of a manufacturing method for the thin film magnetic memory device shown in FIG. 1;

[0018]FIG. 29 is a cross sectional view showing a thin film magnetic memory device according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0019]FIG. 30 is a cross sectional view showing a thin film magnetic memory device according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0020]FIG. 31 is a cross sectional view showing the thin film magnetic memory device taken along line XXXI-XXXI of FIG. 30;

[0021] FIGS. 32 to 35 are cross sectional views showing the steps of a manufacturing method for the thin film magnetic memory device shown in FIG. 31; and

[0022]FIG. 36 is a cross sectional view showing a thin film magnetic memory device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0024] First Embodiment

[0025]FIG. 1 shows a memory cell region of a thin film magnetic memory device wherein two memory cells of an MRAM (Magnetic Random Access Memory) are formed.

[0026] With reference to FIG. 1, source/drain regions 2 a to 2 d are formed in main surface 1 a of silicon substrate 1. A gate electrode 3 a is formed above silicon substrate 1 located between source/drain regions 2 a and 2 b via a gate insulating film, which is not shown. One field-effect transistor is formed of source/drain regions 2 a and 2 b, gate electrode 3 a and the gate insulating film. A gate electrode 3 b is formed above silicon substrate 1 located between source/drain regions 2 c and 2 d via a gate insulating film, which is not shown, in the same manner as above. Another field-effect transistor is formed of source/drain regions 2 c and 2 d, gate electrode 3 b and the gate insulating film. Gate electrodes 3 a and 3 b are formed of polysilicon, a layered film of polysilicon and CoSi, WSi or the like.

[0027] An interlayer insulating film 4 is formed of a silicon oxide film so as to cover main surface 1 a of silicon substrate 1 and gate electrodes 3 a and 3 b. Contact holes 5 a to 5 d, respectively, which reach to source/drain regions 2 a to 2 d, are formed in interlayer insulating film 4. Source/drain regions 2 a to 2 d define the bottom of contact holes 5 a to 5 d. Portions of contact holes 5 b and 5 c are formed in interlayer insulating film 4 from the top surface of interlayer insulating film 4 so as to extend in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the paper of FIG. 1.

[0028] Barrier metal films 6 a to 6 d are formed so as to cover the inner walls of contact holes 5 a to 5 d. Barrier metal films 6 a to 6 d are formed of a barrier metal such as titanium nitride (TiN) or tantalum nitride (TaN). Contact plugs 7 a to 7 d are formed on barrier metal films 6 a to 6 d so as to completely fill in the insides of contact holes 5 a to 5 d. Contact plugs 7 a to 7 d are formed of a conductive material such as copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), tungsten (W), or titanium (Ti).

[0029] An interlayer insulating film 8 is formed of a silicon oxide film on interlayer insulating film 4. A contact hole 9 a, which reaches to contact plug 7 a and to barrier metal film 6 a is formed in interlayer insulating film 8. A contact hole 9 d, which reaches to contact plug 7 d and to barrier metal film 6 d is formed in interlayer insulating film 8. Contact holes 39 a and 39 d, which continue to contact holes 9 a and 9 d, respectively, having diameters greater than those of contact holes 9 a and 9 d are formed in interlayer insulating film 8 from the top surface of interlayer insulating film 8.

[0030] Barrier metal films 11 a and 11 d are formed so as to cover the inner walls of contact holes 9 a and 9 d as well as contact holes 39 a and 39 d. Barrier metal films 11 a and 11 d are formed of a barrier metal such as titanium nitride or tantalum nitride. Contact plugs 12 a and 12 d are formed on barrier metal films 11 a and 11 d so as to completely fill in the insides of contact holes 9 a and 9 d as well as contact holes 39 a and 39 d. Contact plugs 12 a and 12 d are formed of a conductive material such as copper, aluminum, tungsten or titanium.

[0031] A trench 22 for shielding is formed in a portion of interlayer insulating film 8 located above contact plugs 7 b and 7 c. Trench 22 for shielding extends in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the paper of FIG. 1. The inner walls of trench 22 for shielding are defined by interlayer insulating film 8. A magnetic film 16 is formed so as to cover the inner walls of trench 22 for shielding. A trench 42 is further defined by a magnetic film 16 inside of trench 22 for shielding.

[0032] Magnetic films 15 a and 15 c are formed at a predetermined distance away from each other so as to bring into contact with each of the sidewalls of trench 42 a facing each other inside of trench 42. A magnetic film 15 b is formed between magnetic film 15 a and magnetic film 15 c at a distance away from magnetic films 15 a and 15 c. The top surface of interlayer insulating film 8 and the top surfaces of magnetic films 16 and 15 a to 15 c are provided in the same plane. Magnetic films 16 and 15 a to 15 c are formed of a magnetic material made of an oxide of manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn) or iron (Fe). Magnetic films formed of these materials exhibit physical property values such as relative permeability in the several thousands and specific electrical resistance of from 10⁸ μΩ·cm to 10¹² μΩ·cm.

[0033] Insulator films 38 a and 38 b, respectively, are formed of silicon oxide films between magnetic film 15 a and magnetic film 15 b as well as between magnetic film 15 b and magnetic film 15 c. The top surfaces of insulator films 38 a and 38 b are provided at positions lower than the top surface of interlayer insulating film 8. The sidewalls of magnetic films 15 a and 15 b and the top surface of insulator film 38 a define a trench 23 a for a wire. The sidewalls of magnetic films 15 b and 15 c and the top surface of insulator film 38 b define a trench 23 b for a wire in the same manner.

[0034] Barrier metal films 18 a and 18 b are formed so as to cover the inner walls of trenches 23 a and 23 b for wires. Barrier metal films 18 a and 18 b are formed of a barrier metal such as titanium nitride or tantalum nitride. Conductor films 17 a and 17 b are formed on barrier metal films 18 a and 18 b so as to completely fill in trenches 23 a and 23 b for wires. The top surfaces of conductor films 17 a and 17 b and the top surface of interlayer insulating film 8 are provided in the same plane. Conductor films 17 a and 17 b are formed of a conductive material such as copper, aluminum, tungsten or titanium. Barrier metal film 18 a and conductor film 17 a as well as barrier metal film 18 b and conductor film 17 b formed inside trenches 23 a and 23 b, respectively, for wires form a first digit line and a second digit line in the memory cell of the MRAM.

[0035] The sidewalls of the first and second digit lines on the sides wherein the first and second digit lines face each other bring into contact with magnetic film 15 b. Magnetic film 15 b fills in the space between the first digit line and the second digit line. The distance between main surface 1 a of silicon substrate 1 and the bottom of magnetic film 15 b is less than the distance between main surface 1 a of silicon substrate 1 and the bottoms of the first and second digit lines. The distance between main surface 1 a of silicon substrate 1 and the top surface of magnetic film 15 b is equal to the distance between main surface 1 a of silicon substrate 1 and the top surfaces of the first and second digit lines. Magnetic films 16 and 15 a to 15 c cover the first and second digit lines so that only the top surfaces of the first and second digit lines are exposed.

[0036] Interlayer insulating film 19 is formed of a silicon oxide film on interlayer insulating film 8. Contact holes 21 a and 21 b, respectively, which reach to contact plugs 12 a and 12 d, are formed in interlayer insulating film 19. Straps 20 a and 20 b are formed so as to fill in the insides of contact holes 21 a and 21 b and so as to partially cover the top surface of interlayer insulating film 19. Strap 20 a and strap 20 b are formed so as to be separated from each other. Straps 20 a and 20 b are formed of a conductive material such as copper or tantalum.

[0037] One end of strap 20 a and one end of strap 20 b extend on the top surface of interlayer insulating film 19 so as to reach to the locations above the first and second digit lines. The other ends of strap 20 a and strap 20 b, respectively, bring into contact with the top surfaces of contact plugs 12 a and 12 b inside of contact holes 21 a and 21 b and, thereby, make electrical connections with the above described field-effect transistors formed in silicon substrate 1.

[0038] TMR elements 24 a and 24 b are formed on the top surfaces of straps 20 a and 20 b so as to be located above the first and second digit lines. TMR elements 24 a and 24 b are magnetic memory cells that include magnetic tunnel junctions. Interlayer insulating film 25 is formed of a silicon oxide film so as to cover the top surface of interlayer insulating film 19, which is exposed from straps 20 a and 20 b, as well as to cover straps 20 a and 20 b. The top surface of interlayer insulating film 25 and the top surfaces of TMR elements 24 a and 24 b are provided in the same plane. That is to say, TMR elements 24 a and 24 b are formed in the condition wherein they are embedded in interlayer insulating film 25 so that the top surfaces of TMR elements 24 a and 24 b are exposed from interlayer insulating film 25.

[0039] An interlayer insulating film 59, not shown, is formed of a silicon oxide film on interlayer insulating film 25. A trench 36 for a wire whose bottom is defined by the top surface of interlayer insulating film 25 extending in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first and second digit lines extend is formed in interlayer insulating film 59. Trench 36 for a wire is formed above the top surfaces of TMR elements 24 a and 24 b.

[0040] A barrier metal film 26 is formed so as to cover the inner walls of trench 36 for a wire. Barrier metal film 26 makes contact with the top surfaces of TMR elements 24 a and 24 b. Barrier metal film 26 is formed of a barrier metal such as titanium nitride or tantalum nitride. A conductor film 27 is formed on barrier metal film 26 so as to completely fill in the inside of trench 36 for a wire. Conductor film 27 is formed of a conductive material such as copper, aluminum, tungsten or titanium. Barrier metal film 26 and conductor film 27 formed inside of trench 36 for a wire form a bit line in the memory cell of the MRAM.

[0041] That is to say, the first and second digit lines, formed of conductor film 17 a and barrier metal film 18 a and formed of conductor film 17 b and barrier metal film 18 b, respectively, and the bit line formed of conductor film 27 and of barrier metal film 26 intersect at right angles with TMR elements 24 a and 24 b placed therebetween. Thus, TMR elements 24 a and 24 b are formed at positions wherein the first and second digit lines and the bit line intersect each other.

[0042] Interlayer insulating film 28 is formed of a silicon oxide film on interlayer insulating film 59. Trenches 29 a and 29 b for wires are formed in interlayer insulating film 28 from the top surface of interlayer insulating film 28. Trenches 29 a and 29 b for wires extend in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the paper of FIG. 1. Barrier metal films 30 a and 30 b are formed so as to cover the inner walls trenches 29 a and 29 b for wires. Barrier metal films 30 a and 30 b are formed of a barrier metal such as titanium nitride or tantalum nitride. Conductor films 31 a and 31 b are formed on barrier metal films 30 a and 30 b so as to completely fill in the insides of trenches 29 a and 29 b for wires. Conductor films 3 la and 31 b are formed of a conductive material such as copper, aluminum, tungsten or titanium.

[0043] An interlayer insulating film 32 is formed of a silicon oxide film interlayer insulating film 28. A trench 35 for a wire extending in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which trenches 29 a and 29 b for wires extend is formed in interlayer insulating film 32 from the top surface of interlayer insulating film 32. A barrier metal film 33 is formed so as to cover the inner walls of trench 35 for a wire. Barrier metal film 33 is formed of a barrier metal such as titanium nitride or tantalum nitride. A conductor film 34 is formed on barrier metal film 33 so as to completely fill in the inside of trench 35 for a wire. Conductor film 34 is formed of a conductive material such as copper, aluminum, tungsten or titanium.

[0044] One memory cell of the MRAM shown in FIG. 1 is formed of: a field-effect transistor formed of gate electrode 3 a, as a word line, a gate insulating film, not shown, as well as source/drain regions 2 a and 2 b; strap 20 a electrically connected to this field-effect transistor; TMR element 24 a formed so as to bring into contact with the top surface of strap 20 a; a first digit line extending beneath TMR element 24 a and formed of conductor film 17 a and barrier metal film 18 a and a bit line extending so as to bring into contact with the top surface of TMR element 24 a and formed of conductor film 27 and barrier metal film 26.

[0045] In addition, another memory cell of the MRAM shown in FIG. 1 is formed of: a field-effect transistor formed of gate electrode 3 b, as a word line, a gate insulating film, not shown, as well as source/drain regions 2 c and 2 d; strap 20 b electrically connected to this field-effect transistor; TMR element 24 b formed so as to bring into contact with the top surface of strap 20 b; a second digit line extending beneath TMR element 24 b and formed of conductor film 17 b and barrier metal film 18 b and a bit line extending so as to bring into contact with the top surface of TMR element 24 b and formed of conductor film 27 and barrier metal film 26.

[0046]FIG. 1 specifically shows the bit line and the digit lines, TMR elements 24 a and 24 b as well as magnetic films 16 and 15 a to 15 c. FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view taken along line I-I of FIG. 2.

[0047] With reference to FIG. 2, bit lines, making up a plurality, formed of conductor films 27 and barrier metal films 26 extend in one direction at predetermined intervals. The first digit line, formed of conductor film 17 a and barrier metal film 18 a, as well as the second digit line, formed of conductor film 17 b and barrier metal film 18 b, extend in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the bit lines extend in a manner such that the first and second bit lines are separated by a predetermined distance. TMR elements 24 a and 24 b are arranged in a matrix form at positions wherein the bit lines and the first and second digit lines intersect each other. Magnetic films 16 and 15 a to 15 c are formed in the direction in which the first and second digit lines extend. Magnetic films 16 and 15 a to 15 c extend the lengths of sections 50 wherein regions 51, in which TMR elements 24 a and 24 b as well as the first and second digit lines intersect each other, extend in the same direction that the first and second digit lines extend. Furthermore, magnetic films 16 and 15 a to 15 c extend over a plurality of sections 50.

[0048] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a predetermined memory cell of the MRAM is selected by using a field-effect transistor formed in silicon substrate 1. Then, appropriate currents are made to flow through the above described word line, bit line and digit lines and, thereby, write-in or read-out of data is carried out.

[0049] Furthermore, according to a more detailed description, currents are made to flow through predetermined bit line and predetermined digit lines so that a magnetic field is generated in the TMR element provided in the region wherein the bit line and the digit lines intersect each other. Thereby, the direction of magnetization of the ferromagnetic layer forming the magnetic tunnel junction of the TMR element is changed so that the resistance value of the current passing through the TMR element can be altered (tunneling magnetoresistive effect). This tunnel magnetic resistance effect is utilized so that write-in or read-out of data can be carried out.

[0050] A thin film magnetic memory device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is provided with: TMR elements 24 a and 24 b, as first and second magnetic memory cells, that operate as memory elements provided in main surface 1 a of silicon substrate 1, as a semiconductor substrate, located at a predetermined distance away from each other; a first digit line, as a first wire, formed of conductor film 17 a and barrier metal film 18 a, extending in one direction so as to intersect TMR element 24 a, for applying a magnetic field to TMR element 24 a; a second digit line, as a second wire, formed of conductor film 17 b and barrier metal film 18 b, extending parallel to the first digit line so as to intersect TMR element 24 b, for applying a magnetic field to TMR element 24 a; and a magnetic field 15 b provided so as to fill in the space between the first digit line and the second digit line and so as to bring into contact with the first and second digit lines. The first and second digit lines are provided between main surface 1 a of silicon substrate 1 and TMR elements 24 a and 24 b.

[0051] Magnetic films 16 and 15 a to 15 c cover the first and second digit lines in a manner wherein only the sides of the first and second digit lines facing TMR elements 24 a and 24 b are exposed.

[0052] Magnetic films 16 and 15 a to 15 c extend in the direction in which the first and second digit lines extend and magnetic films 16 and 15 a to 15 c extend, at least, the lengths of sections 50, wherein regions 51 in which TMR elements 24 a and 24 b as well as the first and second digit lines, respectively, intersect each other, extend in the direction in which the first and second digit lines extend.

[0053] Magnetic films 16 and 15 a to 15 c include an oxide of at least one type of element selected from the group consisting of manganese, zinc and iron.

[0054] In the following, the structure of a peripheral, or logic, part of the thin film magnetic memory device shown in FIG. 1 is briefly described. FIG. 27 is a cross sectional view showing a step of a manufacturing method for the thin film magnetic memory device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 27 shows a memory cell region 101 (region shown in the cross sectional view of FIG. 1) of the thin film magnetic memory device and a peripheral, or logic, part 102, other than memory cell region 101. With reference to FIG. 27, memory cell region 101 and peripheral, or logic, part 102 are provided together and the same structures located in the same layer are manufactured at the same time.

[0055] With reference to peripheral, or logic, part 102 in FIG. 27, a field-effect transistor forming a peripheral circuit or, logic circuit, is formed. This field-effect transistor is formed of source/drain regions 2 e and 2 f formed in main surface 1 a of silicon substrate 1 and of a gate insulating film, not shown, as well as of a gate electrode 3 c formed above silicon substrate 1.

[0056] An interlayer insulating film 4 in which contact holes 5 e and 5 f are formed is provided on silicon substrate 1. Barrier metal films 6 e and 6 f as well as contact plugs 7 e and 7 f are formed inside of contact holes 5 e and 5 f. An interlayer insulating film 8 in which contact hole 9 e and trench 39 e for a wire are formed is provided on interlayer insulating film 4. A barrier metal film 11 e and a contact plug 12 e making up a wire in peripheral, or logic, part 102 are formed inside of contact hole 9 e and trench 39 e for a wire. A magnetic film for covering a wire is not, as described above, formed in peripheral, or logic, part 102.

[0057] An interlayer insulating film 60 is formed of a silicon oxide film on interlayer insulating film 8. A trench 61 for a wire is formed in interlayer insulating film 60 from the top surface of interlayer insulating film 60 in the same layer as is trench 36 for a wire in memory cell region 101. A barrier metal film 62 and a conductor film 63 are formed inside of trench 61 for a wire.

[0058] A manufacturing method for the thin film magnetic memory device shown in FIG. 1 is described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 28 and FIG. 1. According to the manufacturing process described below, the formation of an interlayer insulating film and a dual damascene process are repeated in sequence and, thereby, wire layers are formed in the respective interlayer insulating films.

[0059] With reference to FIG. 3, a gate insulating film, not shown, and gate electrodes 3 a and 3 b patterned into predetermined forms are sequentially formed above main surface 1 a of silicon substrate 1. An impurity is implanted into main surface 1 a of silicon substrate 1 using gate electrodes 3 a and 3 b as a mask and, thereby, source/drain regions 2 a to 2 d are formed.

[0060] A silicon oxide film is deposited so as to cover main surface 1 a of silicon substrate 1 as well as gate electrodes 3 a and 3 b and, thereby, interlayer insulating film 4 is formed. A predetermined photolithographic process and an etching process are carried out on interlayer insulating film 4 and, thereby, contact holes 5 a to 5 d, respectively, that reach to source/drain regions 2 a to 2 d are formed. A barrier metal and a conductive material are sequentially deposited inside of contact holes 5 a to 5 d and on the top surface of interlayer insulating film 4. After that, this barrier metal and the conductive material are removed by means of chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) to a level wherein the top surface of interlayer insulating film 4 is exposed and the barrier metal as well as the conductive material are left in contact holes 5 a to 5 d. Thereby, barrier metal films 6 a to 6 d as well as contact plugs 7 a to 7 d are formed inside of contact holes 5 a to 5 d.

[0061] With reference to FIG. 4, interlayer insulating film 8 is formed by depositing a silicon oxide film on interlayer insulating film 4. A resist film 52 having a pattern of openings in a predetermined form is formed on interlayer insulating film 8.

[0062] With reference to FIG. 5, trench 22 for shielding is formed by carrying out etching on interlayer insulating film 8 using resist film 52 as a mask. After that, resist film 52 is removed.

[0063] With reference to FIG. 6, a magnetic material is deposited so as to cover the inner walls of trench 22 for shielding and the top surface of interlayer insulating film 8 in order to form magnetic film 16. Subsequently, a silicon oxide film, which becomes insulator film 38, is deposited so as to completely fill in trench 22 for shielding. With reference to FIG. 7, this magnetic material and the silicon oxide film are removed by means of chemical mechanical polishing to a level wherein the top surface of interlayer insulating film 8 is exposed.

[0064] With reference to FIG. 8, a resist film 53 having a pattern of openings in a predetermined form is formed on interlayer insulating film 8. With reference to FIG. 9, etching is carried out on interlayer insulating film 8 and insulator film 38 using resist film 53 as a mask and, thereby, trenches 23 a and 23 b for wires as well as contact holes 39 a and 39 d are formed. After that, resist film 53 is removed.

[0065] With reference to FIG. 10, a resist film 54 having openings that reach to the bottom of contact holes 39 a and 39 b is formed on interlayer insulating film 8. With reference to FIG. 11, etching is carried out on interlayer insulating film 8 using resist film 54 as a mask and, thereby, contact holes 9 a and 9 d are formed. After that, resist film 54 is removed.

[0066] With reference to FIG. 12, a barrier metal and a conductive material are sequentially deposited inside of contact holes 9 a and 39 a, inside of contact holes 9 d and 39 d as well as inside of trenches 23 a and 23 b for wires and on the top surface of interlayer insulating film 8. After that, this barrier metal and the conductive material is removed by chemical mechanical polishing to a level wherein the top surface of interlayer insulating film 8 is exposed and, at the same time, the barrier metal and the conductive material are left in contact holes 9 a and 39 a, in contact holes 9 d and 39 d as well as in trenches 23 a and 23 b for wires. Thereby, barrier metal film 11 a and contact plug 12 a are formed inside of contact holes 9 a and 39 a, and barrier metal film 11 d and contact plug 12 d are formed inside of contact holes 9 d and 39 d. In addition, barrier metal film 18 a and conductor film 17 a are formed inside of trench 23 a for a wire, and barrier metal film 18 b and conductor film 17 b are formed inside of trench 23 b for a wire.

[0067] With reference to FIG. 14, a resist film 57 having an opening that exposes trench 22 for shielding is formed on interlayer insulating film 8. With reference to FIG. 15, etching is carried out on insulator film 38 using resist film 57 as a mask. At this time, barrier metal films 18 a and 18 b as well as conductor films 17 a and 17 b work as a mask for etching that is carried out on insulator film 38, which is a silicon oxide film. Thereby, insulator film 38 is partially removed and, at the same time, insulator film 38 located beneath barrier metal films 18 a and 18 b, and beneath conductor films 17 a and 17 b is left and, thereby, insulator films 38 a and 38 b are formed inside of trench 42. After that, resist film 57 is removed.

[0068] With reference to FIG. 16, magnetic material 15 is deposited so as to fill in the inside of trench 42 and so as to cover the top surface of interlayer insulating film 8. With reference to FIG. 17, this magnetic material 15 is removed by means of chemical mechanical polishing to a level wherein the top surface of interlayer insulating film 8 is exposed and, at the same time, magnetic material 15 is left inside of trench 42 and, thereby, magnetic films 15 a to 15 c are formed.

[0069] With reference to FIG. 18, interlayer insulating film 19 is formed by depositing a silicon oxide film on interlayer insulating film 8. A resist film 58 having a pattern of openings in a predetermined form is formed on interlayer insulating film 19.

[0070] With reference to FIG. 19, etching is carried out on interlayer insulating film 19 using resist film 58 as a mask and, thereby, contact holes 21 a and 21 b are formed. After that resist film 58 is removed.

[0071] With reference to FIG. 20, conductive material 20 is deposited so as to fill in the insides of contact holes 21 a and 21 b and so as to cover the top surface of interlayer insulating film 19. With reference to FIG. 21, a predetermined photolithographic process and an etching process are carried out and, thereby, conductive material 20 is patterned so that straps 20 a and 20 b are formed.

[0072] With reference to FIG. 22, TMR elements 24 a and 24 b having predetermined forms are formed on straps 20 a and 20 b. At this time, TMR dummy elements may be formed by leaving portions of the layered film for forming TMR elements in peripheral, or logic, part 102 (see FIG. 27), other than in memory cell region 101.

[0073] With reference to FIG. 23, a silicon oxide film is deposited so as to cover straps 20 a and 20 b, TMR elements 24 a and 24 b as well as the top surface of interlayer insulating film 19 that are exposed from straps 20 a and 20 b and, thereby, interlayer insulating film 25 is formed.

[0074] With reference to FIG. 24, interlayer insulating film 25 is removed by means of chemical mechanical polishing to a level wherein the top surfaces of TMR elements 24 a and 24 b are exposed. At this time the rates of polishing of interlayer insulating film 25 in memory cell region 101 and in peripheral, or logic, part 102 can be made approximately equal in the case where TMR dummy elements are formed in peripheral, or logic, part 102 (see FIG. 27), other than in memory cell region 101, in the step shown in FIG. 22. Therefore, the generation of a step between memory cell region 101 and peripheral, or logic, part 102 can be prevented.

[0075] With reference to FIG. 25, interlayer insulating film 59 is formed by depositing a silicon oxide film on interlayer insulating film 25. A predetermined photolithographic process and an etching process are carried out on interlayer insulating film 59 and, thereby, trench 36 for a wire is formed. With reference to FIG. 26, a barrier metal and a conductive material are sequentially deposited inside of trench 36 for a wire and on the top surface of interlayer insulating film 59 in order to form barrier metal film 26 and conductor film 27.

[0076] With reference to memory cell region 101 in FIG. 27, the barrier metal and the conductive material are removed to a level wherein the top surface of interlayer insulating film 59 is exposed by means of chemical mechanical polishing and, at the same time, the barrier metal and the conductive material are left in trench 36 for a wire. Thereby, barrier metal film 26 and conductor film 27, making up a bit line, are formed inside of trench 36 for a wire.

[0077] With reference to FIG. 28, interlayer insulating film 28 is formed by depositing a silicon oxide film on interlayer insulating film 59. A predetermined photolithographic process and an etching process are carried out on interlayer insulating film 28 and, thereby, trenches 29 a and 29 b for wires are formed. After that, barrier metal film 30 a and conductor film 31 a, as well as barrier metal film 30 b and conductor film 31 b, making up wires, respectively, are formed inside of trenches 29 a and 29 b for wires.

[0078] With reference to FIG. 1, interlayer insulating film 32 is formed by depositing a silicon oxide film on interlayer insulating film 28. A predetermined photolithographic process and an etching process are carried out on interlayer insulating film 32 and, thereby, trench 35 for a wire is formed. After that, barrier metal film 33 and conductor film 34, making up a wire, are formed inside of trench 35 for a wire. The thin film magnetic memory device shown in FIG. 1 is completed according to the above described process.

[0079] Magnetic film 15 b is formed between the first digit line, made up of conductor film 17 a and barrier metal film 18 a, and the second digit line, made up of conductor film 17 b and barrier metal film 18 b in the thin film magnetic memory device having the above described configuration. In addition, magnetic films 16 and 15 a to 15 c cover the first and second digit lines, respectively. Therefore, magnetic lines formed around the first and second digit lines due to flow of current are absorbed by the magnetic films. Thereby, the magnetic field that generates due to current flowing through the first digit line can be prevented from affecting TMR element 24 b. The magnetic field that generates due to current flowing through the second digit line can be prevented from affecting TMR element 24 a in the same manner.

[0080] On the other hand, the side of the first digit line facing TMR element 24 a and the side of the second digit line facing TMR element 24 b are not covered with magnetic films 16 and 15 a to 15 c. Thereby, a predetermined magnetic field can be applied to TMR element 24 a without fail by making current flow through the first digit line and a predetermined magnetic field can be applied to TMR element 24 b without fail by making current flow through the second digit line.

[0081] Crosstalk between the memory cells provided with TMR elements 24 a and 24 b, respectively, can be prevented from generating and a magnetic film can be applied to a predetermined TMR element by making current flow through a digit line due to the above described reasons. Thereby, a thin film magnetic memory device having a high reliability can be implemented. Here, it is preferable for the thickness of the magnetic film to be 50 nm, or greater, in order to sufficiently prevent crosstalk between adjacent memory cells from generating.

[0082] In addition, insulator film 38 is removed by utilizing, in the step shown in FIG. 15, the first and second digit lines as a mask and, after that, a magnetic material is filled in into the space from which the insulator film has been removed in order to form magnetic film 15 located between the first digit line and the second digit line. This differs from the prior art wherein the wires are covered with a magnetic material and is based on a new idea wherein the interlayer insulating film located between the digit lines is formed of a magnetic material.

[0083] The first and second digit lines can be utilized as a mask, as described above, and, therefore, the state wherein the line width of the digit lines becomes small due to constraints in the photolithographic process can be avoided. Thereby, the resistance values of the digit lines can be prevented from increasing and a sufficient amount of current can be made to flow so that the desired magnetic field is generated at a low voltage. In addition, the problem of mask shift at the time of the formation of a magnetic film does not generate and, therefore, a uniform magnetic film of a sufficient thickness can be formed.

[0084] In addition, the structure is adopted wherein magnetic films 16 and 15 a to 15 c are buried throughout the locations where the digit lines are provided and, therefore, the depth at which magnetic films 16 and 15 a to 15 c are buried can be made sufficiently deep. Thereby, the thicknesses of magnetic films 16 and 15 a to 15 c can be made sufficiently great in the direction of height. Sufficient magnetic shielding effects as a result of the magnetic films can be obtained due to the above described reasons.

[0085] In addition, magnetic films 16 and 15 a to 15 c are formed in section 50 wherein region 51, in which TMR elements 24 a and 24 b as well as the first and second digit lines intersect each other, extends in the same direction in which the first and second digit lines extend. Thus, magnetic films 16 and 15 a to 15 c are provided in region 51, which is the region that is most easily affected by magnetic fields of the digit lines as described above, and, thereby, crosstalk between adjacent memory cells can effectively be prevented. Furthermore, magnetic films 16 and 15 a to 15 c are provided throughout the entirety of the device in the direction in which the first and second digit lines extend and, therefore, crosstalk between adjacent memory cells can more effectively be prevented.

[0086] In addition, the predetermined material forming magnetic films 16 and 15 a to 15 c is provided with the property of an insulator in addition to that of a magnetic body. The conductor copper, for example, has a specific electrical resistance of 1.55×10⁵ (μΩ·cm), and a comparison of this specific electrical resistance of copper and the specific electrical resistance of the material forming magnetic films 16 and 15 a to 15 c shows an order of difference of from 3 to 7 digits. Therefore, currents flowing through the first and second digit lines can be prevented from flowing out to magnetic films 15 a to 15 c.

[0087] Second Embodiment

[0088] With reference to FIG. 29, the thin film magnetic memory device according to a second embodiment has the same form as that of the thin film magnetic memory device according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and the portions covering the conductor films forming digit lines are made of a material different from that of the thin film magnetic memory device according to the first embodiment. In the following, descriptions of the parts of the structure that are the same as of the thin film magnetic memory device according to the first embodiment will not be repeated.

[0089] Insulator films 71 a and 71 b, respectively, are formed of silicon nitride films, for example, so as to cover the walls of conductor films 17 a and 17 b, except for the top surfaces of conductor films 17 a and 17 b. Magnetic films 72 a to 72 c formed so as to bring into contact with the sidewalls of insulator films 71 a and 71 b, as well as a magnetic film 73 formed along the inner walls of trench 22 for shielding, are formed of a magnetic material of cobalt (Co)-iron (Fe) alloy or of nickel (Ni)-iron (Fe) alloy. First and second digit lines in memory cells of the MRAM are formed of conductor films 17 a and 17 b.

[0090] Insulator films 71 a and 71 b, shown in FIG. 29, are provided in the locations wherein barrier metal films 18 a and 18 b, shown in FIG. 1, are formed. Magnetic films 72 a, 72 b, 72 c and 73, shown in FIG. 29, are provided at locations wherein magnetic films 15 a, 15 b, 15 c and 16, shown in FIG. 1, are formed.

[0091] The thin film magnetic memory device according to the second embodiment of the present invention is provided with: TMR elements 24 a and 24 b as first and second magnetic memory cells provided in main surface 1 a of silicon substrate 1, as a semiconductor substrate, at a predetermined distance away from each other so as to operate as memory elements; a first digit line formed of conductor film 17 a, as a first wire, for applying a magnetic field to TMR element 24 a extending in one direction so as to intersect TMR element 24 a; a second digit line formed of conductor film 17 b, as a second wire, for applying a magnetic field to TMR element 24 b extending parallel to the first digit line so as to intersect TMR element 24 b; a magnetic film 72 b that fills in the space between the first digit line and the second digit line; and insulator films 71 a and 71 b, interposed between the first digit line and magnetic film 72 b as well as between the second digit line and magnetic film 72 b, respectively. The first and second digit lines are provided between main surface 1 a of silicon substrate 1 and TMR elements 24 a and 24 b.

[0092] Magnetic films 73 and 72 a to 72 c cover the first and second digit lines so that only the sides of the first and second digit lines facing TMR elements 24 a and 24 b are exposed.

[0093] Magnetic films 73 and 72 a to 72 c extend in the direction in which the first and second digit lines extend and magnetic films 73 and 72 a to 72 c extend, at least, the lengths of the sections wherein regions in which TMR elements 24 a and 24 b as well as the first and second digit lines, respectively, intersect each other extend in the direction in which the first and second digit lines extend.

[0094] Magnetic films 73 and 72 a to 72 c include at least one of an alloy of cobalt-iron or an alloy of nickel-iron.

[0095] Insulator films 71 a and 71 b serve as protective films for the first and second digit lines formed of conductor films 17 a and 17 b in the thin film magnetic memory device having the above described configuration. Insulator films 71 a and 71 b maintain insulation between the first and second digit lines and, therefore, it is not necessary to form magnetic films 72 a to 72 c of a magnetic material that has insulating properties. Therefore, freedom of selection of the magnetic material that forms magnetic films 72 a to 72 c is increased. Thus, the same effects as the effects described in the first embodiment can be obtained according to the thin film magnetic memory device the above described configuration.

[0096] Third Embodiment

[0097]FIG. 30 shows a memory cell region of the thin film magnetic memory device according to a third embodiment. With reference to FIG. 30, the thin film magnetic memory device has a layer structure, which differs from that of the thin film magnetic memory device according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, wherein interlayer insulating film 8 and a bit line are formed. The descriptions of the parts of the structure that are the same as in the thin film magnetic memory device according to the first embodiment will not be repeated.

[0098] With reference to FIG. 30, trenches 23 a and 23 b for wires extending in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the paper of FIG. 30 are formed in interlayer insulating film 8 from the top surface of interlayer insulating film 8. First and second digit lines, made up of conductor film 17 a and barrier metal film 18 a as well as of conductor film 17 b and barrier metal film 18 b, respectively, are formed inside of trenches 23 a and 23 b for wires. Magnetic films for covering the first and second digit lines are not provided in the thin film magnetic memory device according to the third embodiment.

[0099] With reference to FIG. 31, a second memory cell of the MRAM formed to have a TMR element 24 m as a magnetic memory is provided adjacent to a first memory cell of the MRAM formed to have a TMR element 24 a as a magnetic memory cell.

[0100] Furthermore, according to a more detailed description, this second memory cell of the MRAM is formed of: a field-effect transistor formed in silicon substrate 1; a strap 20 m electrically connected to the field-effect transistor; TMR element 24 m formed so as to bring into contact with the top surface of strap 20 m; a first digit line (see FIG. 30) formed of conductor film 17 a and barrier metal film 18 a extending beneath TMR element 24 m; and a second bit line formed of a conductor film 27 m and a barrier metal film 26 m extending above TMR element 24 m. Hereinafter the bit line formed of conductor film 27 and barrier metal film 26 is referred to as first bit line.

[0101] A contact hole 5 m that reaches to source/drain region 2 a is formed in interlayer insulating film 4 and a contact hole 9 m that reaches to the top surface of interlayer insulating film 4 and a contact hole 39 m that continues to contact hole 9 m are formed in interlayer insulating film 8. Barrier metal films 6 m and 1 lm as well as contact plugs 7 m and 12 m formed inside of these contact holes make an electrical connection between the field-effect transistor and strap 20 m.

[0102] A trench 82 a for shielding whose sidewalls are defined by interlayer insulating film 59 and by barrier metal film 26 and whose bottom is defined by interlayer insulating film 25 is formed in interlayer insulating film 59 formed on interlayer insulating film 25. A trench 82 b for shielding whose sidewalls are defined by barrier metal films 26 and 26 m and whose bottom is defined by interlayer insulating film 25 is formed in interlayer insulating film 59. A trench 82 c for shielding whose sidewalls are defined by interlayer insulating film 59 and by barrier metal film 26 m and whose bottom is defined by interlayer insulating film 25 is formed in interlayer insulating film 59.

[0103] A magnetic film 81 is formed so as to fill in the insides of trenches 82 a to 82 c for shielding and so as to cover the first and second bit lines as well as the top surface of interlayer insulating film 59. Magnetic film 81 is formed of a magnetic material made of an oxide of manganese, zinc or iron.

[0104] The sidewalls of the first and second bit lines bring into contact with magnetic film 81 on the sides wherein the first and second bit lines face each other. Magnetic film 81 fills in the space between the first bit line and the second bit line. The distance between main surface 1 a of silicon substrate 1 and the top surface of magnetic film 81 is greater than the distance between main surface 1 a of silicon substrate 1 and the top surfaces of the first and second bit lines. The bottom surfaces of the first and second bit lines bring into contact with TMR elements 24 a and 24 m. Magnetic film 81 covers the first and second bit lines so that only the bottom surfaces of the first and second bit lines are exposed.

[0105] A trench 35 m for a wire is formed in interlayer insulating film 32 so as to be in parallel to trench 35 for a wire. A barrier metal film 33 m and a conductor film 34, which become a wire, are formed inside of trench 35 m for a wire.

[0106] The first bit line formed of conductor film 27 and barrier metal film 26 as well as the second bit line formed of conductor film 27 m and barrier metal film 26 m, as first and second wires, are provided so that TMR elements 24 a and 24 m, as first and second magnetic memory cells, are located between main surface 1 a of silicon substrate 1 and the first and second bit lines in the thin film magnetic memory device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0107] With reference to FIGS. 32 to 35 and FIG. 31, the portion of a manufacturing method for the thin film magnetic memory device shown in FIG. 31, which follows the step of forming the first and second bit lines, is described.

[0108] With reference to FIG. 32, the barrier metal and the conductive material are removed by means of chemical mechanical polishing up to a level wherein the top surface of interlayer insulating film 59 is exposed and, at the same time, the barrier metal and the conductive material are left in trenches 36 and 36 m for wires. Thereby, barrier metal film 26 and conductor film 27 forming the first bit line as well as barrier metal film 26 m and conductor film 27 m forming the second bit line, respectively, are provided inside of trenches 36 and 36 m for wires.

[0109] With reference to FIG. 33, a resist film 91 having openings for exposing the top surfaces of the first and second bit lines, the top surfaces of interlayer insulating film 25 located on both sides of the first and second bit lines and the top surface of interlayer insulating film 25 located between the first and the second bit lines is formed on interlayer insulating film 59.

[0110] With reference to FIG. 34, etching is carried out on interlayer insulating film 59 using resist film 91 as a mask and, thereby, trenches 82 a to 82 c for shielding are formed. At this time, conductor films 27 and 27 m as well as barrier metal films 26 and 26 m act as a mask for etching that is carried out on interlayer insulating film 59, which is a silicon oxide film. After that resist film 91 is removed.

[0111] With reference to FIG. 35, a magnetic material is deposited so as to fill in the insides of trenches 82 a to 82 c for shielding and so as to cover the top surfaces of interlayer insulating film 59 as well as of the first and second bit lines and, thereby, magnetic film 81 is formed.

[0112] With reference to FIG. 31, the formation of an interlayer insulating film and a dual damascene process are repeated in sequence and, thereby, interlayer insulating film 28, wherein is provided the wire made up of barrier metal film 30 a and conductor film 31 a, and interlayer insulating film 32, wherein are provided the wires made up of barrier metal films 33 and 33 m as well as conductor films 34 and 34 m, are formed.

[0113] The same effects as the effects described in the first embodiment concerning crosstalk which generates due to currents flowing through the first and second bit lines can be obtained according to the thin film magnetic memory device having the above described configuration. Thereby, a thin film magnetic memory device having a high reliability can be implemented. Here, it is preferable, in the same manner as in the first embodiment, for the thickness of the magnetic film to be 50 nm, or greater, in order to sufficiently prevent crosstalk between adjacent memory cells from generating.

[0114] Fourth Embodiment

[0115] With reference to FIG. 36, the thin film magnetic memory device according to a fourth embodiment has approximately the same form as of the thin film magnetic memory device according to the third embodiment shown in FIG. 31 and the structure of the portion that covers a conductor film, which is a bit line, differs from that of the thin film magnetic memory device according to the third embodiment. In the following, descriptions of the parts of the structure that are the same as of the thin film magnetic memory device according to the third embodiment will not be repeated.

[0116] Conductor films 27 and 27 m are formed so as to bring into contact with the top surfaces of TMR elements 24 a and 24 m. Conductor films 27 and 27 m form first and second bit lines. Insulator films 94 and 94 m made of silicon nitride films, for example, are formed so as to cover the sidewalls and the top surfaces of conductor films 27 and 27 m.

[0117] A trench 82 a for shielding whose sidewalls are defined by interlayer insulating film 59 and by insulator film 94 and whose bottom is defined by interlayer insulating film 25 is formed in interlayer insulating film 59 formed on interlayer insulating film 25. A trench 82 b for shielding whose sidewalls are defined by insulator films 94 and 94 m and whose bottom is defined by interlayer insulating film 25 is formed in interlayer insulating film 59. A trench 82 c for shielding whose sidewalls are defined by interlayer insulating film 59 and by insulator film 94 m and whose bottom is defined by interlayer insulating film 25 is formed in interlayer insulating film 59.

[0118] A magnetic film 95 is formed so as to fill in the insides of trenches 82 a to 82 c for shielding and so as to cover the top surfaces of interlayer insulating film 59 and of insulator films 94 and 94 m. Magnetic film 95 is formed of a magnetic material of an alloy of cobalt-iron or an alloy of nickel-iron.

[0119] Magnetic film 95 of the thin film magnetic memory device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention includes at least one of an alloy of cobalt-iron and an alloy of nickel-iron.

[0120] Insulator films 94 and 94 m act as protective films for the first and second bit lines formed of conductor films 27 and 27 m in the thin film magnetic memory device having the above described configuration. Insulator films 94 and 94 m maintain insulation between the first and second digit lines and, therefore, it is not necessary to form magnetic film 95 of a magnetic material that has insulating properties. Therefore, freedom of selection of the magnetic material that forms magnetic film 95 is increased. Thus, the same effects as the effects described in the third embodiment can be obtained according to the thin film magnetic memory device having the above described configuration.

[0121] Here, a thin film magnetic memory device may be provided by combining the structure wherein a magnetic film is formed between the digit lines, such as in the first and second embodiments, and the structure wherein a magnetic film is formed between the bit lines, such as in the third and fourth embodiments.

[0122] Although the present invention has been described and illustrated in detail, it is clearly understood that the same is by way of illustration and example only and is not to be taken by way of limitation, the spirit and scope of the present invention being limited only by the terms of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A thin film magnetic memory device, comprising: first and second magnetic memory cells provided in a main surface of a semiconductor substrate at a predetermined distance away from each other so as to operate as memory cells; a first wire for applying a magnetic field to the first magnetic memory cell extending in one direction so as to intersect the first magnetic memory cell; a second wire for applying a magnetic field to the second magnetic memory cell extending in parallel to the first wire so as to intersect the second magnetic memory cell; and a magnetic film provided so as to fill in the space between the first wire and the second wire and so as to bring into contact with the first and second wires.
 2. The thin film magnetic memory device according to claim 1, wherein said first and second wires are provided between the main surface of the semiconductor substrate and said first and second magnetic memory cells.
 3. The thin film magnetic memory device according to claim 1, wherein said first and second wires are provided so that said first and second magnetic memory cells are located between the main surface of the semiconductor substrate and said first and second wires.
 4. The thin film magnetic memory device according to claim 1, wherein said magnetic film covers said first and second wires so that only the sides of said first and second wires facing said first and second magnetic memory cells are exposed.
 5. The thin film magnetic memory device according to claim 1, wherein said magnetic film extends in the direction in which said first and second wires extend and said magnetic film extends at least the lengths of the sections wherein regions, in which said first and second magnetic memory cells, as well as said first and second wires, respectively, intersect each other, extend in the direction in which said first and second wires extend.
 6. The thin film magnetic memory device according to claim 1, wherein said magnetic film includes an oxide of at least one type of element selected from the group consisting of manganese, zinc and iron.
 7. A thin film magnetic memory device comprising: first and second magnetic memory cells provided in a main surface of a semiconductor substrate at a predetermined distance away from each other so as to operate as memory cells; a first wire for applying a magnetic field to the first magnetic memory cell extending in one direction so as to intersect the first magnetic memory cell; a second wire for applying a magnetic field to the second magnetic memory cell extending in parallel to the first wire so as to intersect the second magnetic memory cell; a magnetic film that fills in the space between the first wire and the second wire; and insulator films interposed between said first wire and said magnetic film as well as between said second wire and said magnetic film, respectively.
 8. The thin film magnetic memory device according to claim 7, wherein said first and second wires are provided between the main surface of the semiconductor substrate and said first and second magnetic memory cells.
 9. The thin film magnetic memory device according to claim 7, wherein said first and second wires are provided so that said first and second magnetic memory cells are located between the main surface of the semiconductor substrate and said first and second wires.
 10. The thin film magnetic memory device according to claim 7, wherein said magnetic film covers said first and second wires so that only the sides of said first and second wires facing said first and second magnetic memory cells are exposed.
 11. The thin film magnetic memory device according to claim 7, wherein said magnetic film extends in the direction in which said first and second wires extend and said magnetic film extends at least the lengths of the sections wherein regions, in which said first and second magnetic memory cells, as well as said first and second wires, respectively, intersect each other, extend in the direction in which said first and second wires extend.
 12. The thin film magnetic memory device according to claim 7, wherein said magnetic film includes at least one of an alloy of cobalt-iron and an alloy of nickel-iron. 